Just posting so I can read the rollover of the last post. Easier this way..
But thanks for all the replies so far.. I really feel there are a lot of people out there who go to ATS every day and read various topics and forums and NEVER say anything. I know you are out there because I was one of you for almost 10 years. Speak up, don't be afraid. The thing that keeps this public forum active and the best out there is the fact that ANY person can express an opinion. Sure you will get criticism, but the mods won't let it get abusive, AND you have the right to express it. Stay anonymous if you have to...Or create an Avatar and, you are still anonymous to some extent,. The point is ...SAY SOMETHING.... but make it meaningful to you.
Grow and learn..We all have questions, Sometimes the answers are found in the strangest palaces...

I have lurked on and off for about 2 years before signing up and even now I still just lurk. I wanted to reply to a few posts before, but I was not registered so I decided not to post. One post did make me want to reply really badly so I eventually signed up.

I find myself not wanting to reply when the thread is so long that I am unable to read every post in it before posting a reply. Even if it is a short thread I still won't post unless I have something really good to say. A few times I started to write a reply only to erase it and not post one.

Basically I don't add to a thread unless I'm able to add on vital information. I dislike posts that only say something along the lines of "I agree with the OP." as it does not add anything useful to a thread.

A man of few words I guess.

Also use the alert button. The mods here are great but they do miss things.
When someone starts to bash you instead of your post or if they are going a little too hard at your post. The mods are an alert away and will correct the problem.

Well, after sticking around quite a bit I'm going to become a "lurker" for a while...

With all the recent changes, I wonder what this place will look like when I visit next.....

This thread has been moved to "Introductions"..
That seems appropriate at this time, because if you don't want to contribute or are just "lurking" , for whatever reason, well maybe you need to introduce yourself.. Even if you have to do it under a pseudonym or avatar. My point is..hey ...speak up or forever hold your peace. We all lurk until we are forced to contribute for whatever reason. Don't wait, ATS is a great community. You wouldn't be eavesdropping if you Were not interested. Most of us don't bite, and those that do are quickly removed.
Freedom of speech is respected here.

It is now 1:58 AM. and only serious ATS posters or "LURKERS" are left here. Now is your time to post... Let us know you are out there...
Tell us why you want to be heard and what you have to say.
OR come back tomorrow and engage everyone. To all you west coast and overseas folk. I apologize. I must go to bed. I will check back in the East Coast (USA) AM. and answer all replies. Come out..Come out..Whereever you are.............

i was a lurker that made infrequent anonymous posts until i realized i didn't need to be ashamed of my opinions and decided to go ahead and own them.

[edit on 2/21/2009 by AshleyD]

good a place as any to post my first post here i was a lurker for over a year just signed up the other day, hello everyone